When my friends visit Toronto, many ask me to take them to Yorkdale Mall or CF Toronto Eaton Centre. There’s nothing wrong with these big-box malls, but you can find similar shops elsewhere.
Tourists should instead support local gems selling edible delights, handcrafted drinks, clothing, handmade jewelry, home goods, and accessories — all of which make for great souvenirs.
My favorites on Queen West include a consignment shop called Fashionably Yours, a bookstore called Type Books, a shop called Art.27, and a footwear store John Fluevog Shoes.
Over on Ossington Avenue, check out the pastries and bread at Dear Grain, grab the city’s best scoop at Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery, and shop at I Miss You Vintage or DU/ER.
Kensington Market is a bohemian haven with eclectic goods, thrift shops, and live music on the weekends. My favorite spots here include Blackbird Baking Co. (a favorite bakery of Meghan Markle’s), Hooked fish market, Blue Banana Market food store, and The Beguiling bookshop.
Don’t leave without walking through Stackt Market, a shopping and entertainment space built in repurposed shipping containers. It’s an ideal place to lounge on a patio and shop for jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more.
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